How to GET AROUND CHICAGO on a BUDGET! | Chicago Public Transportation EXPLAINED | Frolic & Courage

[@alyssamendoza2620]

Very informative! I’ll be traveling to Chicago for the first time this month alone! Thank you so much for this 😊

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Thank you, Alyssa, I'm so glad I could help! 😊 I wish you safe travels!!

[@neettim]

Thank you for making this video thorough and informative. All 25 minutes of the video are valuable. First time traveling to Chicago and this video helped me understand the public transportation system way more compared to some of the other videos I watched.

[@FrolicAndCourage]

This comment made my day - thank you so much and I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Safe travels!! 😊❤️

[@lisanronhubbard7341]

Thank you for this informative video. I paused it and signed up to have a ventra card sent to me ahead of time. Thanks so much.

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Thanks, Lisa! I love it when travelers plan in advance - it makes things so much easier. I hope you have a great trip! 😊❤️👍🏾

[@ShawnClarady]

We go to Chicago every July. We have the re-loadable Ventra card and just make sure it has $20+ on it. We may not even use it during the week we go each year but if we have it just in case we need it.

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Thanks for the tip, Shawn!

[@Jasmine-gh2wc]

Thank you so much! I can see how much work you put into this video. It’s so informative and detailed! This is exactly what I was looking for but no one else has been this detailed. I’m definitely subscribing! 😊

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Aww thank you, Jasmine! I’m so glad you were able to find what you were looking for in this video 😁 It took a lot of time and research- Thank you for watching and for the encouragement!! 🎉

[@danacolman710]

Great video with simple and clear info!

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Thank you, Dana! Happy to share 😊

[@jchasern]

Thanks! So informative....o have angst using public transportation...I think I can manage this system

[@FrolicAndCourage]

I believe you can do it! Practice makes perfect 😊❤️ Plus, there’s so many other options to get around so if one doesn’t work there are backups 👍🏽

[@rgchannel8398]

Thank you 🙏 this will be a great help for my travel

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Awesome - happy to help and thanks for watching!

[@WestIndieRay]

This video was so well done!

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Thank you, WestIndieRay! I really appreciate it 😊👍🏾❤️

[@slw0599]

Thank you, we're going to Chicago for the first time nxt year 👍

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Woohoo! Planning in advance makes me smile 😊 Do you plan to go in the summer, winter, spring, or fall??

[@slw0599]

@@FrolicAndCourage next spring...mid April for 4 nights then on to the Pacific coast highway all the way to San Diego...can't wait.

[@harpreet_happy]

So informative and you are such a lovely charming person to listen to. Keep shining!!

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Thank you so much Harpreet! You are so kind 🥹❤️

[@godfreyhyunjoo]

Loved your clear and detailed video!

[@ritetheology]

Antoinette, this video was excellent. You answered all my questions. Thanks !!!

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Thanks Todd! You made my day with this comment 🥹😃

[@bambastic]

great guide!

[@ChrisJChris100]

Thank you so much, it’s very useful info that I need it before going to Chicago.

[@FrolicAndCourage]

So glad! I hope you have a great trip, Jamal 🙂

[@hollyjeffrey8241]

Thank you, I really appreciate the tips and information!

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Thanks, Holly! I’m glad the tips are helpful 😊

[@AZ-jp7zk]

Thanks a lot for the information. It's very detailed and easy to understand. Well explained.

[@FrolicAndCourage]

I appreciate this, AZ, thanks a lot! 😊

[@pvsamorgan9803]

I am visiting Chicago tomorrow from NY and your videos never fails to provide the perfect information... Thank you for your great channel. Keep up the good work. I learned a lot from your channel last December before I visited Miami. 🙏🏼

[@FrolicAndCourage]

This comment made my night Pvsa Morgan! You are so kind, Thank you!!😁❤️

[@KlaShnKoV95]

Awesome video! Really has all what you need to know

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Yay! Thank you 😊 So glad that it is useful!

[@PontiacCZ]

Very useful info, will come in handy soon. Thank you! 🙂

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Awesome, glad to hear it! Chicago is a really cool place (especially when you know how to get around) 😉

[@ceramicwings]

Great guide! Thanks for the info. Small note, the South Shore station is in South Bend, Indiana, not Fort Bend. :)

[@lynnstevens9666]

Fort Bend? The South Shore terminus in Indiana is in South Bend -- but there aren't many trips between South Bend and the rest of the South Shore Line. The "Shops" are in Michigan City, IN. They're called that because all South Shore trains stop there for garaging when they're not in service, and for repairs.

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Ahhh! I totally said “Fort Bend” instead of “South Bend” 🤦🏽‍♀️ **embarrassed** Thanks for the catching the word slip up, Lynn!

[@gregstiff844]

Great video, thanks for the info.

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Glad it was helpful, Greg!

[@weather120widget8]

Great explanation. Keep up the good work.

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Thank you for watching!

[@zgihi]

Just a note, you dont pay the $5 to go back to the airport. And they completely revamped the divvy cost and got rid of zone 1 and zone 2. Now you pay an unlock fee for every bike/scooter and then they charge you per minute. And since this video they added scooter share from 4 different companies. And about the ebike parking it doesnt matter you can park it to any pole/rack or divvy station. i just lock it to itself multiple times a day for about a year and have never gotten any fines

[@ml8999]

Thank you so much for the information.

[@FrolicAndCourage]

No problem 😉

[@kristofferryan2902]

thanks for this! veey informative!

[@FrolicAndCourage]

You’re welcome Kristoffer! Thanks for watching!

[@jessikacisneros8083]

Going Sept. I can't wait

[@FrolicAndCourage]

September is right around the corner! How exciting, Jessika!! 😊👍🏽👏🏽

[@bettycordova1068]

WOW...🎤 your so detailed ❤👏👏

[@FrolicAndCourage]

I appreciate it, Betty, thank you very much 😁❤️

[@AtulKedia]

A correction, the South Shore Line runs from South Bend, Indiana to Chicago.

[@tube.brasil]

It seems that there's an app now so the physical card is not even required anymore.

[@AMTK90200]

yep, you can just tap your phone on the card readers

[@worldtraveler84]

@@AMTK90200This is exactly what I needed to know! Thanks!

[@fuzzypic]

Excellent video!

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Thanks Greg! I hope you have fun navigating the Windy City!

[@ThebookofAlana]

Wow, thank you!

[@FrolicAndCourage]

No problem, thank you for watching Alana 😊

[@johnw5734]

Thank you, good information.🙂

[@FrolicAndCourage]

I appreciate your comment, John! Thank you so much! 😊

[@philipnations4791]

If you can just take Amtrak to get downtown or use Metra as well.

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Thanks for the alternative options, Philip! 😊👍🏽

[@Kpacks]

Thank you so much for really detailed information on the transportation system for chicago!! This video has all the information that i needed it! I have one question. So does CTA pass includes all different line thays other than PACE? Like blue lines(ohare to chicago DT).?

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Happy to help! Yes, you use a CTA issued pass to ride the blue line 👍🏽

[@miraaims]

This video is so well made and informative! You should get more views and subs 👍🏻

[@FrolicAndCourage]

I really appreciate that Mira! I'm working on it one video at a time, lol 👍🏾😊❤️

[@geedavia1785]

😆😆😆😆😆 *I gave you guys a 10 on your other vlog for using Public Trans.* *Too Funny.* 😆😆😆😆😆

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Haha, true! I gotta follow up the vlogs with an actual “how to” video to share the knowledge!

[@anjalicannell]

By the way, there is a bus that can take you from Midway if it’s late at night! It’s a lot slower though…

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Thanks Anjali! Can you share the name of the bus?

[@NuFlyer83]

​@@FrolicAndCourage#55 Garfield or #62 Archer

[@goworlduk]

Great the video was very helpful 👍

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Glad the video was helpful, Craig 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@marciarobinson8200]

Wow so important ❤

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Thanks Marcia! I appreciate you for watching and leaving a comment 😊👏🏽👍🏽

[@davidsaxe7077]

Thank you!! Traveling to Chicago soon and Want to save some money by not using Uber.

[@FrolicAndCourage]

I completely understand, David! My thoughts exactly 😊

[@AMTK90200]

CTA doesn’t run every bus route numbered 1-206, Pace runs routes 100 and 101.

[@MyaFan443]

As always, THANK YOU 😊

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Thank YOU for watching, OnlyRealFan 😊 How long will you be in the Windy City?

[@kerplunka409]

great video!! thank you :)

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Awesome! Thank you for commenting and watching 😊

[@valeriegriffith3415]

How have you been great advice and information

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Life’s been busy but good! So glad to see your comment, Valerie 😊 How are you doing these days?

[@valeriegriffith3415]

@@FrolicAndCourage I've been good, still fighting the covid fight now that we can vaccinate babies, overall good thank you for asking.

[@kevinsolano5596]

Hi! I used to live in Chicago and I just wanted to say that this video is very accurate and definitely one of the most helpful ones I’ve seen. I hope you guys get the subscribers you deserve, and I couldn’t help but wonder if you guys might find TikTok to be an easier place to make your account blow up on, just an idea. Keep up the good work!

[@FrolicAndCourage]

I really appreciate your support, Kevinsolano - especially from a former Chicago resident! 😃 I’m on TT, but I like being in YT more for the interaction with subscribers 👍🏽 Who knows, maybe I’ll give TT a little more time this year 👍🏽

[@falconeer1808]

Detailed info thanks

[@karensand2001]

Hi! Question, I am visiting Chicago with 4 other people and we are looking into using public transportation. I was wondering, if i purchase one ventura card with 3 day unlimited rides for $15-$20, would i be able to use that same card for all 5 of us? Or would we all have to purchase a card for the 3 day unlimited rides? Sorry for the lengthy questions!

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Hi Karen! You can purchase a 3-day pass and use it for up to 6 additional people. It’s really important to know how fares will be charged with additional people: the system will deduct from the unlimited pass for the first rider, THEN deduct from the stored value of money. So you have to pay for the pass AND add enough extra money to purchase the other riders’ individual tickets. Here’s the official link to learn more about the knotty gritty details: www.ventrachicago.com/mobile/how-to/multiride/ Hope this helps! 🥰

[@cbeaver61]

Great info! My wife and I will be traveling to Chicago in the next few weeks flying into O'Hare. Question for you on the Ventra pass though.... Am I able to buy a single 7 day unlimited pass and use that card for myself and my wife (we'll be staying for 4nights)? Or would we both need to purchase our own Ventra card?

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Thank you, Cory! 😊👍🏾 The 7-day pass is only valid for one person, so you and your wife will need your own passes. I hope you have a great time in Chicago!

[@cbeaver61]

Got it! Thank you!

[@valentinalmanzar1902]

Hello! I had the same question but now i have the answer. Me and my wife are coming to Chicago next week so i was wondering the same, 7 day pass for both of us.

[@LMiraculous]

I’m going to Chicago in late February solo I’m getting excited but scared

[@geedavia1785]

Only thing to be scared about is the Hawk🥶 Plan out your trip, make *reservations* for restaurants etc,. Because, just *Thinking you can pop,-in a restaurant might be problematic. Also, if you're going for Pizza. It takes- 45 minutes for the pizza to made *THATS NOT COUNTING WAITING TO GET A TABLE* So, be prepared to wait (maybe stop at the bar for drinks as you wait....) Of course there's your standard, most sought out Restaurants. I recommend you try Au Cheval for a brunch. Their burgers are to *Die For* Au Cheval *Does Not Accept Reservations* & The best time to go is lunchtime. Going later in the evening is a crap shoot (I don't recommend trying it) Come on over. Dress Warmly & just know that the weather can be anywhere from below Zero to 70 (it was 70) a few years ago on my birthday (2-15), 3-feet of snow another year. This Lovely Lady has a whole series of videos about her visit here. It is so through & well done. Her & her husband had a ball. *Relax & enjoy my city✌🏿*

[@mayeliidiaz2024]

Cooool, thank you

[@dachicagoan8185]

24:03 I need some clarification here please. If the loop trains go in one direction (except for red and blue) there is no such thing as going in the "wrong direction", right? There shouldn't be a way to avoid going around the whole loop if that wasn't your intention.

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Yes with a few caveats - the green line doesn’t go in the full loop and it depends on where you enter the loop. The trains exit the loop at certain stops, so if you were to jump on a train right at the stop before it exits the loop, you’ll head out of the loop unless you disembark and catch another train that still has more stops to make in the loop. Does this make sense?

[@dachicagoan8185]

@@FrolicAndCourage ah ok that makes sense. I wanted to go back to lincoln park from the sears tower (Quincy) using the brown line and wasn't sure if there was a way to avoid going around the whole loop. Looks like there isn't! LOL

[@superiorjr154]

Not once did she mention Metra. Metra is a very useful commuter rail and privately owned. It is more safe and there is more security around the rough neighborhoods. if you plan to travel on the south side, metra is the way to go! Most homeless people cannot afford the metra which keeps the crime off the cars.

[@ericrodriguez28]

Are there certain times to look out for the L train from O hare? Or does the train come like every 10-15 minutes

[@FrolicAndCourage]

There are not set, official times, but I’d say they run every 6-15 minutes. There are multiple tracks so trains are constantly coming in and out. Hope this helps, Eric!

[@geedavia1785]

*1-CORRECTION* *LAKE MICHIGAN Is always to the EAST... The River runs through the city.

[@EdgarOliveiraTB]

im going to chicago for 3 day, ill get the 3-day pass for 15. Do i have to pay 5 more for the card,total 20?

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Yes, Edgar! But the cost of the pass may be refunded if you register your card within 90days 👍🏽

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

how do you know which station to get off if I'm going to my hotel? do I just pick which is the closest?

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Great question- I like to use Google maps 🗺 to plan out my route in advance or the actual city’s transportation planner. It usually shows the closest stops to the hotel. Some hotels also list the closest stops on their website, usually in the “location” section.

[@SURGICALTECHGEEK]

@@FrolicAndCourage I read the blue line map but it's soooo confusing lol. I went to Google maps for the train routes and it does say how to get there but is that real time?

[@pvsamorgan9803]

Question: if I get a 7 days pass from the airport, is it going to cover the blue line airport to downtown transport as well?

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Yes! If you get an unlimited pass you will not be charged the $5 fare from O’Hare. Safe travels!!

[@sylviahanno7434]

Flying to Chicago tomorrow. O Hare Airport. I read in some blogs that you can't get the 7 day pass on Ventra at the airport. Only up to 3 days... That true?

[@MeganJay246]

Does the metro card work for buses as well?

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Yes! It will also work on busses, too. 👏🏽👍🏽

[@chatucker]

Just as an FYI: The Ventra app is unusable for foreign users. The app requires you to set up an account. This account requires both a US address of residence, as well as a US phone number. As an international traveller to Chicago, I have neither. This means: both the 7 and 30 day unlimited passes cannot be used if you are an international traveller, as they must be loaded onto an existing Ventra account.

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Thank you for this info 👏🏽

[@Ranger100]

Wrong, you don't need the app to use the Ventra Card.

[@chatucker]

@@Ranger100 it was true when I was there almost a year ago. If they finally updated their sale policy - all the better.

[@Ranger100]

@chatucker Yeah because I got a Ventra Card at Walgreens and used it right away not to long ago 🤣

[@octubre_lilaka]

Is there indication at the platform of which way the train is heading?

[@enriquemurillo2589]

Thank you so much for the video ! It was very informative , I’ll visit chicago for the first time and this was very helpful , I just have one doubt , I wanna buy the 7 day unlimited pass in the MDW airport, but I’m still lost about the $5 dollars that it costs , will it be included automatically when I buy the 7 day pass or do I have to register the card first and after that it will be refunded ?

[@ahmethangag5124]

Yea, i have some question on my mind. Did you find any answer?

[@FrolicAndCourage]

You’re welcome Enrique, thank you for watching 😊 The card costs $5 in addition to the pass. According to CTA, “New Ventra Cards cost $5, but this value is immediately refunded to your Transit Account if you register within 90 days (you can even do it on the spot at a station using the mobile-friendly ventrachicago.com).”

[@enriquemurillo2589]

@@FrolicAndCourage thank you!! then I will buy it, register it , and then add the 7 day pass , hope that works 🤞🏻

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Let us know how it goes!

[@mimialcala3516]

Lake Michigan is east of the city, not the Chicago River

[@slw0599]

Divvy 😂 divvy is a term used in the uk, originating in the city of Liverpool for someone who's slow of mind, stupid or a bit thick...😂....but joking aside your videos and advice are excellent, keep up the great work.👍🔥

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Hahaha, I had no idea! Is it a coincidence they named the bikes divvy 🤔 😂

[@NajLahsen]

Does the pace buses run around downtown areas?

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Hi Jazar- yes, it does!

[@joshc2650]

2:52 Sorry to correct you but its South bend airport

[@FrolicAndCourage]

No worries, I accidentally jumbled my words 😬

[@boristheteethguy9220]

Hey I got a question or something for this because it's ALOT if you don't mind so I'm a student as well and I'm planning on getting the Ventra card to for $5 but let's just say since I'm a student and stuff I can get it still for .75¢ right?? Or since with the card now it's $2.50 because I was planning on getting one today but was still confused so I'll get it another day but before I do I wanna make sure that I'm getting a good deal on it and that my grandma won't get mad at me for wasting her cash 🤣

[@jasonmims5057]

If your in college there's something called the U-pass.

[@keyerika30]

South Bend Indiana not Fort Bend❤

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Yes, totally slip up! 😅

[@johnopal316]

What about using you phone instead of a ventra or a bank card??? Nothing here about that.

[@FrolicAndCourage]

It’s possible! You can use your phone, but in order to do so you have to connect a form of payment (Ventra card or bank card) to your device’s contactless payment feature. www.ventrachicago.com/mobile/how-to/mobile-wallet-apps/

[@johnopal316]

@@FrolicAndCourage Confirmed, it works.

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Excellent! Happy (contactless) travels 😊

[@martinarodriguez3568]

Lake Michigan is always in the east... not river

[@soccerwizard975]

It is South Bend Indiana (airport) seeing that there isn't a fort bend indiana

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Absolutely - it was a total slip of words! *yikes!*

[@narven11]

The LAKE will always be to the east.

[@thomasfox6691]

you are wrong about some of these things. also pls stop calling downtown "city centre". no one calls it that